author Al Stewart

Armed with designer backpack full of make-up and retro music galore, Oskar sets off for college. And, with attitude even spikier than his heels, nothing is going to hold him back. Except maybe one thing…his past is shouting louder than the 80s songs he adores and it won’t be ignored. Behind the effervescence are secrets, lies and sadness. Try as he might, not even Oskar can hide forever, and one day it isn’t only pop icon Simon Le Bon who’s going to catch up.

Who is writing letters? And why is a spy secretly following?

Enter Bear, with dancing eyes and secrets of his own. Bear’s kindness sparkles brighter than Lycra leggings, and everyone knows Oskar loves shiny things. Like every prophecy, their fates seem inevitably linked. As the walls of Oskar’s defence crumble, Bear shows his hidden strength, but will it be enough to save them?

Find out in this far-out, zany tale of fame, first love and retro DJs.

This story is about two very different young men who meet on a train. Oskar is brash and attention seeking. Bear is quiet and wants people to like him.

Oskar is a handful and Bear is not really sure how to deal with him at first. It seems that Oskar has everything under control until Bear comes across an incident that makes him realize Oskar is trying to hide major parts of himself. Over the course of the story the two young men get to know each other and know each other’s secrets.

This story is part coming of age, part love story and all unique. I always enjoy this author duo’s work and this story was no exception. It was entertaining from beginning to end. You never know what you’re going to get when you try one of their books and I love that so much.

I thought this was an excellent read and I highly recommend it.

Cover: I think the cover is alright. I don’t dislike it but it doesn’t stand out to me either.